Test setup for 5G generates, analyses signals up to 67GHz

Rohde & Schwarz has developed what it describes as an extremely compact test setup for generating and analysing signals up to 67GHz. The solution allows users to evaluate potential physical air interface technologies for the forthcoming 5G networks, paving the way for faster development of components, antennas and chipsets for next-gen base stations and wireless devices, the company indicated.

The test setup consists of the up to 20GHz R&S SMW200A high-end vector signal generator, a harmonic mixer from subsidiary Radiometer Physics GmbH (RPG) and the R&S FSW67 high-end signal and spectrum analyser.

The R&S SMW200A features two integrated RF paths up to 20GHz and a wideband I/Q modulator with a bandwidth of 2GHz. The internal baseband section with an I/Q modulation bandwidth of 160MHz supports all digital communications standards, with the option to add fading simulators as needed. The integrated ARB generator can be used to generate high-quality, complex, digitally modulated waveforms. In combination with RPG harmonic mixers, it is possible to generate signals for all relevant frequencies, for example into the E band (60-90GHz). The R&S FSW67 analyses signals in the frequency range up to 67GHz at an analysis bandwidth of 500MHz and offers a 2GHz analogue IF output for further analysis of broadband signals, making it ideal for the challenging T&M tasks associated with the 5G development phase, added the company.

5G will not simply extend existing LTE/LTE-Advanced systems, it will also create a new technological framework to support a variety of different application scenarios and a sharp increase in the number of wireless devices. One way to meet the demand for more system capacity and higher data rates is to extend the spectrum into the millimetre-wave range. The up to 67GHz test solution meets this requirement, stated Rohde & Schwarz.